Scrofiano: History, Paths and Churches

Scrofiano lies on a hill on the western side of the Val di Chiana Senese. You can explore the village from different perspectives: its medieval townscape and churches provide a historical setting, while paths and an annual festival offer further specific reasons to visit. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to decide on your focus first—village history, a particular route or the Festa di San Biagio.

History in the present-day townscape

The village’s origins are traced back to around the year 1000. Although the town walls have almost entirely disappeared, the village today preserves fairly precise traces of its original medieval layout. Historical background and present-day form stand side by side: the approximate date points to its beginnings, while the surviving traces still reveal the medieval layout.

The Chiesa di San Biagio in Scrofiano was founded in 1295. Medieval iron coats of arms of Scrofiano and San Biagio can be seen on its façade. The foundation date and the façade details offer different points of reference for the village’s history: when looking at San Biagio, the date of its foundation and the visible coats of arms on the façade complement one another.

Walking and cycling routes

One walking option starts at Porta a Sole. From there, an almost level path leads through a small, quiet valley, sheltered from noise, to the old chapel of Madonna del Soccorso. For a walk with a clearly named destination, the chapel is the main point of reference; the route itself is characterised by its almost level course and peaceful valley.

The section of the Via Lauretana through the Sinalunga area begins at Scrofiano and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. From Scrofiano, the route passes through oak woods, cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves. Compared with the walk starting at Porta a Sole, the differences are specific: there, the almost level course, quiet valley and chapel are the defining features; the Via Lauretana also offers cycling as another way to travel and a succession of different landscapes.

The old medieval route to Scrofiano can be travelled only on foot or in small suitable vehicles. The old road from Santa Cristina also marks a historic direction: it leads from the plain towards the old Via Lauretana.

Churches and festival

The Chiesa di Santa Cristina a Scrofiano occupies a commanding position above the Foenna Valley. This gives it a different landscape setting from the Chiesa di San Biagio, which is associated above all with its foundation date and the coats of arms on its façade. If you are making churches the focus of your trip, Scrofiano therefore offers two distinct points of interest: the historical connection of San Biagio and the position of Santa Cristina above the valley.

The Festa di San Biagio, also called the Festa della Mazza, is another reason to visit. It takes place every year on 3 February. During the procession, residents dressed in traditional clothing carry an octagonal trophy made of salt dough, topped by a dome with a statue of the saint. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the latest event information in advance so you can time your visit accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Ancaiano, Colle Di Val D'elsa, Chiusi, San Casciano Dei Bagni, Trequanda, Castellina In Chianti, Bibbiano, Scalvaia.

For the broader travel overview: Siena.